We told you about the Ministry of Home Affairs plans to amend the criminal code, criminalizing the dissemination of photos, videos, and statements that make up part of a criminal investigation. Last week, Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa sat down with the media to explain what the intentions of the legislation are. This, however, was not received well, as many members of the media fear that that the amendment imposes on the freedom of the press. This concern was reaffirmed by the opposition earlier today, which released a statement condemning the amendment. Minister of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca was asked about the amendment, which he agreed, was a cause for concern.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“I think it came obviously from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The minister, I think is obviously best place to respond to that question. I know we had a discussion about it in cabinet. I raised the issue of the press, freedom of the press and what impact it would have on the press and the minister assured me that he felt comfortable that it would not and that certainty that there would be an opportunity, if any issues arose, in terms of concerns from the press that he would make an effort to address those issues. So I’m comfortable with that at this point. But I think it’s legitimate for the press to be concerned about that issue, I think it’s justified. Because your job is to ensure that there is accountability, transparency, you want as much information as possible in good faith.”
From the Belize Central Prison to primary schools across Belize District, the RACHEL Project, through the Rotary Club of Belize, is impacting the way children and adults learn. After successfully executing the project within the prison walls, with the help of the Ministry of Education, the Rotary Club of Belize identified eleven rural schools to roll out the program. Those schools underwent a series of training courses on how to effectively utilize RACHEL to achieve the best results. Today, all eleven schools received RACHEL devices and a host of other equipment to improve the learning experience in their classrooms. News Five’s Paul Lopez was at the launch event today. He filed the following report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Eleven primary schools from Belize District have received the necessary training and equipment to enhance basic education and literacy in their institutions. RACHEL stands for Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning. The Rotary Club of Belize first launched the RACHEL Project at the Kolbe Foundation.
Katherine Meighan
Katherine Meighan, President, Rotary Club of Belize
“Under the Rachel Project it is tech oriented of course, so what we have is complementary tech. First and foremost they will get a RACHEL device and that device is loaded with applications to help them with literature, with making sure the kids understand and have the tools for reading for phoenix, etc. and also fun stuff, it could be sewing, crafting, building a robot as another example and then alongside that RACHEL device we also have Chrome books and headsets to complement the Chrome books so that as the kids are utilizing the Chrome books they can listen and focus in. We also have a TV and sound bar as well so that the RACHEL programs can be projected into the classroom as well.”
As the name suggests, RACHEL devices connect to a network of lessons remotely. This serves as a game changer for educational institutions in rural communities with limited internet access. Each school has received the relevant training and is preparing to implement RACHEL devices as part of their curriculums.
Anne Pook
Anne Pook, Teacher, Belize Rural Center
“The first thing I did was explain what we learned at the workshop to the different teachers and students. I took them in and explained the different module on the RACHEL. Also for my students you know that students learnt differently and some are motivated and laid back. This particular student who is not motivated to write and pay attention but when I took them in I said we are going to do a little research. He was the first one to take hold of the laptop and he wanted to be the boss in the group. After that everyday these students would ask, miss are we going to use the laptops tomorrow? At the end of everyday they want to use the laptop. They look forward to using it. Our school we are very appreciative of the RACHEL and the laptop, the kind donation you all gave us because our students are motivated.”
According to Anne Pook, her students are more motivated to learn reading and writing. With the success of the RACHEL Project inside the Belize Central Prison, the Rotary Club of Belize continued its partnership with the Rotary Club of Port Moody, Canada.
Brian Wormald
Brian Wormald, Port Moody Rotarian
“With the wonderful work we have done in the prison let us get into the schools and before we went back to Port Moody we had a meeting with the Ministry for Education and Technology. We needed to get them on board we needed them to see the power that was in their grasp. They were only too happy to get on board. All we asked is that they nominate the schools that get picked. We figured we would have enough connections to get funding for ten schools. So before we went back we tasked the Ministry for Education to come up with those ten schools. WE had no idea of the priorities they did. They came up with that list and we worked on that.”
Katherin Meighan
“With these devices they are able to offer many different complementary tools outside of what they already have. Because in most cases they had a teachers desk that would have access to the internet. Now it is much broader and wider reaching for these kids in the classroom themselves.”
Today, all eleven institutions were able to walk out the door with their devices, ready to implement in summer programs and the new school year. There were also donations of children’s storybooks and equipment for the National Fire Service. The goal is to introduce the RACHEL Project to every school across the country.
Brian Wormald
“As a lofty goal to roll the RACHEL Project out to every school in the country. It is a very lofty goal and I for one plan to be a part of the project as long as I can be, as long as I am alive and as long as there are fabulous people in Belize welcoming us so much.”
Sixty-three Belizean students are embarking on their path to success with the help of the Pathlight scholarship. This morning, those students gathered at the U.W.I campus where they received their certificate to commemorate the achievement. This year’s recipients hail from various parts of the country, including Belize, Orange Walk, and Cayo districts. The scholarship will provide students with all the materials necessary to complete their studies, as well as the guidance to encourage them along the way. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the award ceremony this morning to meet the happy scholars. Here’s that story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Twelve-year-old ZImani Usher wants to be an astronaut and twelve-year-old Eriston Usher wants to be an attorney. These children are just two of sixty-three students who are one step closer to achieving their dreams. They are the recipients of the Pathlight Scholarships. Luwani Cayetano, C.E.O. of Pathlight, shares her pride and excitement for the graduating scholars.
Luwani Cayetano
Luwani Cayetano, C.E.O., Pathlight
“They’re looking smart. They’re extremely smart. They’re funny. They’re exciting. We have students who are coming into high school and then we have students who recently graduated who will also be remaining with us doing their associates degree. Bachelor’s degree. So it’s a mixture of students. And it’s just wonderful. It’s wonderful that we get to serve them. It’s wonderful that they get to be a part of transforming our nation. And for us at Pathlight, what we want is more Belizeans to get involved with us.”
Sixteen-year-old-Destiny Requena is not only a second-time Pathlight recipient, but also the valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Edward P. York High School. Her journey with Pathlight has been enjoyable.
Destiny Requena
Destiny Requena, Scholarship Recipient
“My experience at Pathlight has been nothing but the best. I couldn’t ask for a better scholarship program to be enrolled in. It has been four beautiful years for me. I’ve developed myself all around because I’ve developed spiritually, I’ve developed academically, I’ve been able to meet new people, network with other people. I’ve been able to have multiple opportunities to go outside the country and build myself overall as a leader in Belize. So it has been a beautiful experience to me thanks to Path light.”
The Pathlight Scholarship assists students with tuition, uniforms, books and transportation. Erica Joseph, Sponsorship Plus Director at Pathlight, says that the scholarship is highly competitive, but the team carefully selects recipients based on performance and need.
Erica Joseph
Erica Joseph, Sponsorship Plus Director, Pathlight
“The process is a very stringent one the scholarship is a very competitive one. So we got over three hundred applications this year just for the start of high school. And out of that, we were only able to select forty-four. Our main criteria for selection looks at the student’s academic potential and their families having that high financial need in order for them to get and complete their high school journey. The application process for the continuing students is more internal because we want to continue on with students that are already in the Pathlight program and who have shown great motivation and their potential to succeed. To go further and to do more. And so we want to continue with them through that.”
Pathlight hopes that by opening the door for these students, they will be able to step into a world beyond what they ever thought possible to achieve. Christian Heckley, Executive Director of Pathlight International, tells us more about the goals of the organization.
Christian Hoeckley
Christian Hoeckley, Executive Director, Pathlight International.
“As is well known, education is one of the most important foundations for a country to continue its development. So we see this as an opportunity to support Not just these beautiful students and their families, but really the entire nation of Belize. We hope that we are educating the next generation of leaders in Belize. We’re certainly developing young men and women who will be fantastically productive citizens for Belize. It’s a beautiful thing for me to be a part of.”
For this year’s cohort of students, the journey with Pathlight has only just begun, but twelve-year-old, Priya Talreja is already excited and also encourages other students to shoot for the stars.
Priya Talreja
Priya Talreja, Scholarship Recipient
“Go for it. Try to do your best, try your absolute best to try to get into this organization. It’s a great organization. What they are giving in this scholarship. It is a great organization. The mentors and the workers and the faculty over there are super nice. I’ve been there before. They’re super nice. And yes, I would encourage you to try to join the Pathlight community and don’t ever doubt yourself.”
In the wake of the wildfires that destroyed thousands of acres of land during the past few weeks, hundreds of families are still suffering from the damage inflicted to their property and livelihoods and are struggling to get back on their feet. Considering this, the European Union has announced support for the victims of this disaster. The E.U. offered to provide Belize with up to one hundred and seventy thousand Belize dollars in humanitarian assistance. This aid will support two hundred families affected by the wildfires, primarily farmers who have lost their crops. The assistance, channeled through the Belize Red Cross, will facilitate the provision of health, water, sanitation services, and cash assistance to those in need.
The beginning of June marked the start of the rainy season and now, nearly three weeks into the month, the rains are finally here. Earlier today, the City Emergency Management Organization, released a notice informing the public to remain cautious as Belize is under strong thunderstorm watch. The notice warns Belizeans that six to eight inches of heavy rainfall is expected in some areas, while up to ten inches is anticipated in others. Consequently, low-lying and flood prone areas are predicted to flood. People living in those communities are advised to remain vigilant and stay updated with alerts from NEMO, CEMO and the National Meteorological Service. Commuters are advised to remain cautious while travelling.
Last week, the Joint Unions Negotiation Team signed a Commercial Bargaining Agreement with the Government of Belize after almost two decades of negotiations. One of the sticking points in the negotiations was Proposal Twenty-two which sought to have the Government of Belize pay one hundred percent of the salaries for all teachers, including those in government aided schools. Well, that hurdle was crossed, and the C.B.A. was signed. But, with its expiration date quickly approaching, will the Briceno administration have the same political will to address some of the more complex matters that will arise. We asked Minister Francis Fonseca when we caught up with him earlier today.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Cabinet Minister
“Very simple, political will. That was the only obstacle. I am proud of the fact that our government had the political will to do it. It is not cheap or easy but from day one I have been an advocate for resolving this issue. I felt it was an unjust state of affairs where teachers in grant aided institutions were not getting their full pension after you work for thirty, thirty-five years you were only getting seventy percent of your pension benefits. That was unfair, unjust. So I went to Cabinet. It was a part of the C.B.A. But I went to Cabinet and tabled a proposal on how we could meet that issue. We would meet some of the cost out of our existing budget and then the ministry of finance would supplement that with the additional funds necessary. So over a five year period it would amount to about sixty-eight million dollars. So we believe that is an absolute fair and just cost to settle this issue for the benefit of our teachers, the support staff, everybody, the librarians, secretaries, everybody, watchmen, security guards, everybody will benefit form this proposal; I am very proud of the fact that Cabinet ministers supported it fully when I tabled it and the ministry of finance and the prime minister supported it and we were able to get it done after twenty years.”
Paul Lopez
“With the C.B.A. expiring only a few days from now, do you know if there will be that same political will where tax reform and pension reform conversations are concerned?”
Francis Fonseca
“Absolutely, I think it is understood. Even before we finalized this current C.B.A. wee had discussion about tax and pension reforms with the joint unions. I think there is general consensus that these are issues we have to fix and resolve for the long term benefit of the Belizean people. There is good will and good faith and I look forward to these discussion.”
There is quite a bit of division among Belizeans over the fact that the Ministry of Natural Resources is scheduled to hold a land clinic in California for Belizeans living in the diaspora. The argument is whether Belizeans living abroad should be afforded such a service when many Belizeans at home are still working to own a piece of land. We note that over the last couple of years, the Government of Belize has hosted numerous land clinics in each district across the country. We asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs for his thoughts on this ongoing conversation.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“I will not be there, but I understand the deputy prime minister and the prime minister should attend. I really, to be honest, don’t know much about it. It is being organized by an organization in L.A, not by the ministry of Diaspora Affairs or Foreign Affairs. They got directly in contact with the DPM, and he had facilitated their request. We have provided whatever support the deputy and the prime minister has asked of us.”
Paul Lopez
“Should Belizean living in the diaspora receive this type of service?”
Francis Fonseca
“Yeah, I think people differ on this point. I think it is fair and many Belizeans living in the U.S. have expressed an interest in wanting to come home and contribute to Belize after retirement. In think that is the context which the deputy prime minister is looking at it. Many of them are saying we want to come back home but we don’t have land. We want to build our home, but we don’t have land. We have been saving while working here in the U.S. We have we lee pension. We want to put it back into Belize, but we need land. That is a legitimate point of view and the deputy prime minister, and his team wanted to facilitate. We want to encourage Belizeans to come back home, especially those who have retired with some expertise, extra money, savings. We want them to come back and invest in Belize and participate in the growth and development of Belize.”
Health authorities in Japan are on high alert as the country has recorded a significant increase in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), caused by a rare and aggressive group A streptococcus bacteria, also known as “flesh-eating bacteria.”
In an interview with Bloomberg, Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Adalja explains that “In certain individuals,” STSS “can be a much more severe infection, where it cause what we call necrotizing or flesh-eating type of skin infection. And can also spread systemically, and cause multiple different organ systems to shut down, that’s when we use the kind of term toxic shock syndrome,” leading to “high levels of morbidity and mortality.”
The alarming rise in STSS cases had Japan reporting over 1,000 cases by early June, surpassing last year’s total. Experts fear the number could climb to 2,500 by the end of this year. This “flesh-eating bacteria” progresses rapidly, often proving fatal within 48 hours.
Tokyo has seen a significant impact, particularly among adults over thirty years. Health officials in Japan emphasise early detection and swift medical response with appropriate antibiotics as critical in combating this deadly outbreak.
The Biden administration announced a new policy on Tuesday that is expected to benefit thousands of undocumented immigrants in the United States. President Biden says, “The steps I’m taking today are overwhelmingly supported by the American people, no matter what the other team says. In fact, polls show over seventy percent of Americans support this effort.”
Applicants must have lived in the US for at least ten years and be legally married to a US citizen. The programme is expected to open for applications by the end of summer.
This action of embracing “the American principle” of keeping “families together” alludes to a similar action in 2013 during the Obama administration that allowed “undocumented spouses and children of America’s servicemen to stay together while they apply for legal status,” Biden says.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a significant diplomatic visit to North Korea’s supreme leader, Kim Jong Un. Putin’s first visit in 24 years was welcomed by thousands of North Koreans chanting “Welcome Putin!”
The visit led to the signing of a new strategic partnership agreement. This pact includes mutual assistance provisions that extend into the political, trade, investment, cultural, and security spheres.
Putin’s visit highlighted deepening ties between Russia and North Korea. Kim Jong Un expressed solidarity with Russia over its actions in Ukraine, emphasising strategic alignment in the face of evolving global challenges amid US concerns about arms supplies to the Kremlin.
The visit concluded with both leaders reaffirming mutual respect, cementing a strengthened partnership that could shape regional dynamics for years to come.
